Homeschool Outsourcing: Why, When, and How to Make it Work
My husband and I are second-generation homeschoolers so we remember what homeschool was like before outsourcing. There were no online classes and co-ops didn’t exist in most places until the end of our high school years. While some curriculums offered VHS classes or grading services, and some kids dual enrolled in community college, none of that was really common.
I know those early homeschool parents would have given their right arms for the resources we have today!
But when is outsourcing a good idea, when is it not, and how on earth do we make it affordable?
Struggling Learners: Mild Needs Are Special Needs
If you’ve followed us for a while, you know we have multiple children with mild special needs. But the term mild needs can be really misleading. Many people think it means learning disabilities only, but my children don’t have any diagnosed learning disabilities!
So what does “mild needs” actually mean?
Making Your Home Beautiful In the Here and Now
In 2006 we moved halfway across the country with three children under three. We bought a cute home, and planned to live there for five years while we looked for our forever farm.
Fourteen years later, we’re in the same house. And it isn’t so cute anymore.
Simple Ways to Have a Meaningful Lent
I grew up in a Baptist/non-denominational home so Lent wasn’t really part of my childhood. It was something I heard about from time to time and friends said it was a misguided practice. But when my family later came to Catholicism, I began to understand why Lent is so meaningful.
Helping Your 5-7 Year Old Remember What They Learn
Some of my kids easily remember what they learn, while others need a little help, and still others need intensive, daily practice — even for things they learned months ago.
But we’ve found that no matter the extent of the problem, the same principles and activities can help. That’s music to this busy mama’s ears!
What’s Working Now: 2021 Homeschool Routine for Multiple Children
I shared recently that we’re focusing on essentials so I can heal, but our homeschool routine hasn’t supported this goal very well! My husband wants me to keep teacher-time within our morning block. That way, I have the full afternoon for a balance of work and rest.